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HikingGuy · Dec 9, 2024

Black Elk Peak Hike Guide

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Cris Hazzard · HikingGuy

Custer State Park

Updated August 2026

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Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies at 7,242 feet, crowned with a fire lookout accessible via short scramble. This 7.1-mile loop gains 1,400 feet and passes Cathedral Spires and Little Devil’s Tower.

Distance
7.1 mi

Difficulty
Moderate

Total Climbing
1480 ft

Time
3–4 hrs

Who It's For Moderate hikers, 7.1 miles, 1,400 ft gain. Short non-technical summit scramble, good for families with older kids.

Biggest Risk Lightning on exposed summit, afternoon storms common. Sylvan Lake parking fills early summer weekends.

When to Go May through October. Snow covers trail in early season.

Video

Black Elk Peak Hike Guide

Notes

  • The hike starts at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. There’s a fee to park there and you can purchase a pass at kiosks using a credit card.

  • This is a backcountry hike and you should be prepared for backcountry conditions.

  • There is cell service on parts of this hike but I still bring a satellite SOS device just in case.

  • You can hike straight up the #9 trail but I’m going to describe the more popular loop route which is about the same distance but takes in more sights, such as Cathedral Spires.

Tip

See all the gear I use on hikes like this on my gear page.

Maps

Directions

Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 1
Start the hike on the right side of the parking lot, on the #4 trail.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 2
Look for signs for the #4 trail, also known as the Little Devil’s Tower Trail.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 3
Shortly after the beginning there’s a sharp left turn. It’s easy to hike straight and miss it.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 4
There are trail markers here and throughout Custer State Park like this.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 5
Shortly after that there’s a parking lot. Cross the lot to continue the trail.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 6
Stay right when the rock climber’s trail heads off left.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 7
Leave the #4 trail and continue right.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 8
Shortly after that is the Cathedral Spires Trail. Stay to the left.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 9
Keep straight as the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail joins on the right.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 10
Towards the top of the climb make the right onto the #9 trail toward Black Elk Peak.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 11
Shortly after that make the hard left to continue up to the peak.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 12
Follow the stairs and walkways to the summit.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 13
Enjoy the views and then start to head back down the way you came up.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 14
Instead of heading back down toward the #4 trail, go straight on the #9 trail.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 15
Bear left at the Lost Cabin Spur junction.
Black Elk Peak Hike Directions 16
Towards the end bear left to continue to the parking lot and end of hike.

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